Our Board of Directors are all volunteers who give their time and expertise to improve the quality of life of those adversely affected by gluten. A diagnosis of Celiac Disease or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity can be an overwhelming experience and we are here to provide science-based information and practical tips to make your healing easier.
Board of Directors
CYNTHIA LOVEMAN | PRESIDENT
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When I was diagnosed with celiac disease as a baby, my mom was assured it was an allergy that I would outgrow. At that time, lifelong adherence to a gluten free diet was not a consideration.
The health challenges I continue to manage today are a result of this misinformation. My experience inspires me to volunteer with CCABC. I want to raise funds so people can get the medically-based information and support they need. I am also passionate about funding celiac disease research that will lead to better treatments and ultimately, a cure. Email: info@bcceliac.ca |
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In 2012, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, facing various challenges and hurdles inherent to the condition. Given the limited familiarity with Celiac Disease within South Asian communities, my early understanding of its implications and complexities positioned me as a key advocate in assisting newly diagnosed individuals. Pursuing my Master of Public Health at Simon Fraser University equipped me with the tools to bridge these knowledge gaps. This journey led me to serve on this board, where I strive to offer public health education, mobilize resources, and disseminate knowledge to diverse communities, advocating for greater awareness and understanding of Celiac Disease.
I am fully dedicated to easing the physical and psychological challenges of Celiac Disease for affected individuals by actively bridging knowledge disparities and advocating for their needs. As a forefront advocate, I aim to drive positive change and support within the Celiac Disease community. . |
RAVNEET MUNDI | VICE PRESIDENT
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 BETTY WONG | TREASURER
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I joined the Canadian Celiac Association - BC Chapter in November 2016 as Treasurer. I am not celiac, I just wanted to donate my time and skills and give back to the community. I was fortunate to meet Val Vaartnou, the previous president, who offered me this position. During the period, I have learnt about celiac disease, symptoms and gluten free products. It is fun to be a board committee member. Other than the monthly meeting and financial statement, I participate in CCA events such as the Annual X’mas cookie exchange, Scotia Run etc. I've met a lot of people. Through the events it’s a great opportunity for me to serve, to support and to learn. |
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When I was diagnosed with celiac disease as a teenager, it was a massive lifestyle shift for me. Since then, I have become passionate about advocating for safer and more affordable access to gluten free foods and tackling misinformation in the community. When I moved to Canada in 2023, I wanted to play a more active role in helping others living with the condition, so I decided to volunteer with the CCABC! |
AILISH DOUGLAS | SECRETARY
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 CHRISTIE KELLOGG | MEMBERSHIP
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I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease back in 2003 and have been living a gluten-free life ever since. There has been a lot of positive change since I was diagnosed and I volunteer with the BC Celiac Association to make sure that positive change continues. With a background in marketing and product development, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. I am currently responsible for overseeing membership recruitment and retention activities for the charity. I am passionate about creating an inclusive community where everyone feels supported in their gluten-free journey. |
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When I was diagnosed with dermatitis herpetiformis/celiac disease in my 20s, it made sense of my constant anaemia, fatigue and bruising in my childhood and teens. I immediately joined my local support group in the UK and was quickly invited to join their Board. I was then approached by the head office of Coeliac UK to set up my own support group for a different geographical area. The rest is history! Having moved to Canada and had a child diagnosed, it was important for me to be up to date with labelling, research and so on, so I became involved with the BC Chapter. My passion is addressing misinformation about celiac and the foods that are, or are not, safe. |
JULIE CLEMENT | DIRECTOR
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CATHERINE DUNWOODY | DIRECTOR
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Joining the board in 2024 seemed like a natural progression to me in my Celiac-journey, if you will. Diagnosed in 2016 after a lifetime love affair with gluten (that didn’t love me back apparently), I feel like the CCABC ’saved’ me with solid information and support. |
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Hi there! My name is Marison. I proudly hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences, a foundation I intend to build upon through pursuing a Master's degree in the near future.
Although I do not have celiac disease myself, my best friend of over 15 years battles with this condition every day. Silently witnessing her resilience in the face of countless challenges has instilled in me a deep empathy and a compelling desire to make a difference in her life and the lives of others who face similar struggles. This personal connection inspired me to join the Board of Directors of the Canadian Celiac Association British Columbia to support individuals with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders and symptoms. As a director, I am committed to raising awareness and fostering understanding within our local community. My heartfelt mission is to make a positive impact within this organization by leveraging my extensive education and dedicating my time each month to effect meaningful change. Through these efforts, I aim to directly alleviate the challenges faced by many individuals and families, cultivating a more inclusive and supportive environment. |
MARISON FEDERIPE | DIRECTOR
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KATE FISHER | DIRECTOR
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Diagnosed with celiac disease upon entering university and living away from home for the first time, I understand the challenges faced by those living with the condition, especially at a younger age.
I look forward to meeting others, sharing knowledge, and gaining valuable experience on the board while working to enhance education, support, and advocacy efforts for individuals affected by celiac disease. I am lucky enough to have incredible support around me and want to make others feel they have the same around them! |
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I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2011 and started attending CCABC events in 2012. I had never heard of celiac disease and neither had my family or friends so I had quite a bit to learn but, through the support of CCABC and my medical team, I learnt how to maintain a gluten-free diet. While living in the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland, I was a member of my local coeliac support group and attended every coeliac event that I could. During one of the support group meetings in Ireland, I was asked to speak about my experience as a celiac in Canada and the programs that support celiacs.
Before I was tested for celiac disease, I was told it was an Eastern European disease, which is a myth, so I am passionate about advocating, and educating, medical professionals and people from visible minority groups about celiac disease so more people are diagnosed and living a healthier and happier life. As well, I hope to create more opportunities for celiacs to socialize with each other so we remember that we are not alone in this celiac journey. |
ALIYA HIRJI | DIRECTOR
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HARPREET KAUR | DIRECTOR
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I am a pharmacist by training with a PhD in Biochemical Engineering; celiac disease caught me by surprise in 2011. Like many others, it took the healthcare professionals nearly two years to diagnose me. My gastroenterologist was shocked that, as a South Asian, I had celiac disease. As a student of sciences, it is shocking to me that a disease that afflicts nearly 1% of the global population is poorly understood and managed.
I acknowledge that at first glance, celiac disease is overwhelming, but through awareness and simple lifestyle changes, one can live a healthy and fulfilling life. Through the BC chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association, I hope to generate more awareness about the disease and help demystify any scientific advances that may happen in this field. |
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I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2010, and my personal journey with this autoimmune disorder has motivated me to join the Canadian Celiac Association of British Columbia.
Growing up in South Asia, where awareness and resources were limited, I experienced firsthand the challenges of getting diagnosed with and then managing celiac disease. I have witnessed the evolution of awareness and resources, from the unavailability of gluten-free bread to the presence of gluten-free options on menu cards. Finding a sense of community helped me navigate these challenges, and I am passionate about ensuring that no one feels isolated due to their health condition. My academic journey in International Relations and Economics has equipped me with the tools to raise awareness, foster community and advocate for better resources and inclusive public policies. These personal and professional experiences have led me to join the board, where I am committed to enhancing support, promoting scientific knowledge, and improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with celiac disease. |
DHVANI MALIK | DIRECTOR
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Advisors
JESS PIRNAK | REGISTERED DIETITIAN ADVISOR
